Merz Calls for Syrian Refugees to Return, Citing End of War
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Syrian refugees living in Germany to return to their homeland, declaring that the war in Syria has ended. “For those who refuse to return to their country, we can of course expel them,” Merz warned, emphasizing that there is “no longer any reason” for Syrians to seek asylum in Germany. Merz revealed that
he has invited Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa , to Berlin to discuss possible cooperation on facilitating the return of refugees. However, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced skepticism about the plan, saying the prospects for a safe return remain “very limited” due to widespread destruction and instability in Syria. Germany currently hosts around one million Syrians , most of whom arrived during the 2015–2016 refugee crisis.